How to Help Howell?

Part 1

Hey, guys. I've never been much of a person to write notes or anything unless I have something important, so go ahead and enjoy the story!

-Gus

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Why did Dan have to be depressed? It seems like the best people have the worst luck. Dan was a great guy with a great personality and sense of humor. He didn't deserve the tough criticism he gave himself, at least in Phil's eyes.

Phil woke up and stretched his long slender limbs and pulled on one of his brightly colored t-shirts and a pair of black skinny jeans. He went into the kitchen to make himself breakfast. He had a quick bowl of cereal and proceeded into Dan's room to check on him.

The door was already open a crack, which Phil peeked in to see Dan staring at his reflection in the mirror. He played with his hair and squished his face with his hands. He pinched the skin on his arms and his bicep muscles. He lifted up the bottom of his shirt to pick and pinch at his stomach. Phil thought he looked absolutely perfect, but Dan obviously thought otherwise of himself. Phil could see it in his eyes and by the expression on his face. Phil observed as Dan looked at his wrists, rubbing his hands along the smooth surface. Phil quickly entered Dan's room for fear of what might happen next.

"Morning, Dan!" Phil greeted his best friend cheerily. Dan looked at flatmate with a slight, but what Phil could tell was forced, smile.

"Hey, Phil," he said quietly. Now that Phil was up close, he could notice the bags under his eyes that looked full of sadness and despair, which were thinly coated in fake cheer as he talked to Phil.

"Dan," Phil started. "Come sit here with me." Phil sat on Dan's bed and patted the spot next to him. Dan sat down and slouched so he could look up at Phil with his big, beautiful, but obviously sad eyes.

"Dan, you know you have nothing to be ashamed of, right?" Phil asked. Dan squinted at him, unsure of what he meant.

"Well, you know that you're great, am I correct?"

"Of course I'm great, I'm the greatest human to ever walk the streets of London!" Dan's mischievous smirk and sparkle in his eyes returned with his sarcastic remark.

"Good," Phil gave him a side hug and Dan hugged him back tightly, as if he really needed this hug.

"We need to go to the shops today, we've got barely anything in our cupboards but cereal," Phil told Dan. "Now go get dressed and ready while I make you some breakfast." Phil said with a smile.

"Uh, no, that's ok, thanks. I'm not really that hungry this morning. I'll meet you in the lounge in 10 minutes." Dan responded with his fake smile. Phil squinted at him, but walked into the lounge without another word and waited for his friend to start their adventure together in the city.